THE Commonwealth Utilities Corp. did not file timely financial reports for the federal grants that it received for the year ended Sept. 30, 2021, according to an audit report of Burger Comer & Associates that was provided to the media by the Office of the Public Auditor on Thursday.
Of the five projects funded by the Environmental Protection Agency involving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, the audit found that the required federal financial reports were submitted late.
There is a risk that the grantor may not approve future grants due to CUC’s noncompliance with the grant requirements, according to the report.
CUC, the audit report recommended, should properly maintain its accounting, financial and project records “in a manner that will facilitate timely preparation and submission of required reports.”
In its response, CUC agreed with the audit report.
An Oct. 2, 2023 letter signed by CUC acting financial officer Rodolfo Urbano provided a corrective action plan.
“CUC has assigned personnel to monitor various projects and work with [the] grants administrator to ensure that reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner,” Urbano said.
